Writer Steven Knight (Eastern Promises, Dirty Pretty Things, Redemption) has turned out another tense thriller that is all the more poignant because of the state of affairs with all countries win their subterfuge of crossing lines with the various branches of 'justice' and investigation now made more visible post Edward Snowden's lifting of the veil of secrecy that has for so long confused the public as to how the governments actually function in the struggle with terrorism. This one of course focuses on Britain's multi-phased departments both in criminal work and judicial response. If for no other reason this film is worth watching to see just how occult those sorts of dealings are an how in essence our individual privacy is a dinosaur. A high-profile terrorism case involving an alleged Turkish terrorist Farroukh Erdogan (Denis Moschitto) who sets off a major bomb in central London, killing scores of people unexpectedly binds together two ex-lovers Martin (Eric Bana) and Claudia (Rebecca Hall) on divisive sides of the defense team - testing the limits of their loyalties and placing their lives in jeopardy. The cast of characters on both sides of the Turkish terrorist plot are polished and conniving and include Ciarán Hinds, Jim Broadbent, Anne-Marie Duff, Julia Stiles (the sole American in the mêlée),Riz Ahmed, Kenneth Cranham, to name a few excellent performances. The use of multiple screens throughout the film not only enhances the plot but also laces a magnifying glass on the techniques of the security measures that affect us all. This is a fast moving, tense, credible movie that carries far more importance than the story it tells. Well worth watching, especially in view of the increasing exposure of understanding terrorism thanks to the presence of television series such as Homeland, Person of Interest, Strike Back et al.

Grady Harp

A bomb explodes on Nov 30, 2012 in central London. Farroukh Erdogan is arrested. It's a semi hidden procedural run by the Attorney General (Jim Broadbent). Six months later, the defense lawyer Simon Fellowes commits suicide. Martin Rose (Eric Bana) takes over the case. Devlin (Ciarán Hinds) is Erdogen's solicitor. Claudia Simmons-Howe (Rebecca Hall) is the special advocate picked by Simon. Neither Martin nor Claudia are sure that she should stay especially since they had a secret affair. They are not supposed to meet each other once Claudia gets to see the secret evidence. Erdogan claims to have rented his lockup to the bomber Asif without knowing what was stored there. Joanna Reece (Julia Stiles) is a journalist doing a story on the case.

The past romance muddies up a perfectly fine spy thriller. The first half spends too much time with their personal drama which ends up not being very dramatic. I like the paranoia from the constant surveillance. It's the only exciting aspect of this movie. The mystery isn't much of anything especially since it's just revealed to audience with minimal misdirection. It's a passable thriller that could have been better.

After a terrorist bombing in London, Simon (James Lowe) and Claudia (Rebecca Hall) are appointed special defense attorneys for the accused (Denis Moschitto). After Simon has an untimely suicide Martin (Eric Bana) takes over his spot. His presence there is a violation of the rules as he and Claudia were once an item. As they investigate the case, they discover it wasn't a simple terrorist bombing. There are things which don't add up. They soon realize their lives are in danger.

This is a slightly twisty drama with a touch of court room drama and a little action tossed in. The film keeps you mentally engaged for the most part, but then dies at the end without a real climax. No Jack Nicholson saying, "You can't handle the truth," just an old distinguished man having breakfast calmly explaining the ways of the world.

Parental Guide: F-bombs. No sex or nudity. Did Rebecca Hall put on weight?